Chapter 0125

Alexander

Three days passed while the dead burned.

For three days, Dominic remained in my dungeons, still breathing.

For three days, Athena had not spoken a single word about that night.

She sits in her usual chair in my office, quietly nibbling a ginger biscuit.

Madame Zora had been right about them.

They finally settled her stomach enough to eat properly.

Today, instead of curling her legs against her chest, she sits with them crossed beneath her.

Her dark hair curtains her face.

She appears calm, but I have endless questions about the bastard in my cells.

"I can kill him." I mutter without glancing up. "If that's the problem, I'll handle it."

She stays silent.

"Athena, why did you let him live? You killed his mate."

She releases a heavy sigh. "He deserves to suffer. Why couldn't they refuse my command?"

Her question surprises me. I assumed she understood.

"You were their Alpha. That's why they obeyed. It's different with Wolves. As you know, a Blood bond can mean answering to two Alphas. Sometimes Wolves seek refuge in another pack and pledge loyalty to that Alpha. You are the last living Lycan Alpha. They had no other choice. They couldn't disobey."

"Right." she murmurs, reaching for another biscuit.

"The sooner we execute Dominic, the sooner the other Alphas can leave."

She lifts her gaze, frowning.

"They were summoned to protect you and the pups under their contract obligations. Dominic remains alive, meaning the threat persists. They won't depart until it's resolved."

"I'm not ready."

Those were not the words I anticipated.

I study her, unable to read her thoughts. Nyx still blocks me, making it impossible to sense her properly.

"You're not ready?" I ask gently as her frown deepens.

"You'll think I'm insane."

"He's your last connection to Silver Creek. Or more precisely, to your parents." I've been trying to decipher why she keeps him alive, especially since she hasn't even visited him. This was the only logical explanation.

"See? Stupid." she mutters.

"They destroyed you. They beat you, starved you, let the pack abuse you."

"I know!" She snaps sharply.

"You're struggling to release the fantasy of the life you might have had. The life you have here now. Where you are loved. Where you have friends. Where you've gained a sister who adores you."

The corners of her lips lift slightly. "My life is complicated."

"And I wouldn't have met you otherwise. But perhaps it's time to shut the door on your chaotic past and focus on the future. On the pups you're carrying."

She nods slowly. "Will you come with me? I'm still not prepared to face him alone." We descend into the dungeons as Dominic groans, his stomach growling with hunger.

"Look who decided to show up." He sneers, struggling to stand. His hands grip the bars, keeping himself upright. Fading bruises mark his face, and I scent my brother's recent presence.

"Here to throw more punches?" He snarls at me.

Athena remains silent. Her fingers stay tightly interlaced with mine. Her blue eyes are wide as she stares at Dominic. All the confidence she displayed days ago has vanished.

This man instills more fear in her than she ever revealed.

"Cat got your tongue." Dominic mocks her. "You always struggled with words. Stuttering over the simplest things. And now, absolutely nothing."

"Shut your fucking mouth!" I snap. "You hold no power over her."

He smirks. "Her trembling body suggests otherwise."

"You were there!" Athena whispers breathlessly. "You stood in the shadows. You watched me place that lemonade before them. You did nothing as they bled out."

I realize it's not about letting go. She's still searching for answers.

"You're correct." Dominic smirks.

A small crease forms on Athena's forehead as she closes her eyes. "They all knew, didn't they? The chaos, everyone running. They screamed for help, yet no one tried to save them. They all knew, right?"

"Yes."

A single tear escapes her closed eyes. "You planned this for a long time."

"Since the day you were born." Dominic shrugs. "You were meant to produce more Lycans. More carriers of the Alpha blood. They saw something special in you, but I understood what it meant for our kind. There was hope for us."

"So you lied to her." I snap.

"We did what was necessary!"

"Why the contract?" I demand.

"It wasn't a lie. We needed protection. A Wolf pack discovered us and moved to eliminate us. I admit, it was strange seeing him beside you recently. But we never anticipated her being mated to you. A Lycan and a Wolf," He scoffs, "that's unheard of."

"Who? Who already knew about you?"

"I don't know his name. And I don't care either."

"Another trick? Buying more time, Dominic? That only leads to more torture."

"Do what you want. I've accepted my fate."

"Which Alpha are you referring to?" I demand.

"He watches me." Athena interrupts softly. "He wasn't surprised when we told him. The others had questions, but he already knew." Her eyes meet mine. "Ethan."